Harley Davidson, the renowned US-based motorcycle manufacturer known for its luxurious cruiser bikes, has taken the Indian market by storm with the recent launch of the Harley Davidson X440. Within the span of just one month since its unveiling, the X440 has garnered an astonishing 25,597 bookings, underlining its undeniable appeal among biking enthusiasts.
The much-anticipated launch of the X440 transpired on the 3rd of July, 2023, marking a significant milestone for Harley Davidson in India. Positioned as the brand’s most economical offering in the country, the X440’s introductory price was an attractive Rs. 2.29 lakh (ex-showroom). It’s noteworthy that this initial pricing was subject to a marginal increase of Rs. 10,500 after the 3rd of August, 2023. The primary objective of this launch was to position the X440 as a formidable contender against rivals like the Triumph Speed 400 and the Royal Enfield Hunter 350.
Under the hood, the heart of the X440 beats to the rhythm of a robust 440cc single-cylinder engine, capable of producing 27 BHP at 6,000 rpm and a torque of 38 Nm at 4,000 rpm. The engine boasts efficient oil cooling and is coupled with a smooth-shifting 6-speed gearbox. Complementing its performance capabilities, the X440 boasts cutting-edge features including USD front forks, gas-charged shock absorbers at the rear, and a reliable dual-disc braking system.
Drawing comparisons with its competitors, the Triumph Speed 400 derives power from a 398cc liquid-cooled single-cylinder engine that generates a commendable 39.5 BHP and a torque of 37.5 Nm. In contrast, the Royal Enfield Hunter 350 is equipped with a 349cc air-cooled engine that delivers 20.2 BHP and a torque of 27 Nm. It’s important to note that while the Royal Enfield Hunter 350 features a 5-speed transmission, both the Harley Davidson X440 and the Triumph Speed 400 come equipped with a superior 6-speed transmission.
In terms of pricing, the Harley Davidson X440 now commands a base variant price of Rs. 2.40 lakh, with the top-tier variant priced at Rs. 2.80 lakh. For perspective, the Triumph Speed 400 is listed at Rs. 2.33 lakh, while the Royal Enfield Hunter 350 comes with an entry-level price of Rs. 2.04 lakh, rising to Rs. 2.25 lakh for the top-end variant. These prices are all ex-showroom figures, providing a clear picture of the competitive landscape.
The Harley Davidson X440 lineup encompasses three distinctive variants:
- X440 Denim
- X440 Vivid
- X440 S
A remarkable aspect of the X440’s development is its collaboration with Hero MotoCorp, a prominent Indian two-wheeler manufacturer. This partnership has culminated in the X440’s production at Hero MotoCorp’s Neemrana facility, with the manufacturing slated to commence in September. Eager customers can expect deliveries to commence in October 2023. The X440 is set to face stiff competition from recently launched counterparts such as the Triumph Street 400, the Royal Enfield 350cc, and the Honda Highness.
